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Opening of the FIA 21st Congress: A major event for the International Federation of Actors

SAO PAULO, 22 September 2016: performer unions flock from around the world to attend the 21st Congress of the International Federation of Actors (FIA).

Hosted by FIA member union, SATED/SP, the event will bring close to 150 union delegates from all continents to the sprawling city of São Paulo, Brazil, for an intensive week of deliberations that will guide the work of the International Federation of Actors and set its main priorities for the next four years. Delegates will address the many challenges faced by performers today in a globalised media and entertainment environment, and develop new strategies to meet them. Challenges range from discriminatory practices in international productions, to remuneration for on-demand use in the digital environment, and access to core labour rights for atypical workers.

FIA also decided to make diversity the central theme of its 21st Congress. Ferne Downey, FIA President, commented:

“The Federation is strongly committed to fighting all forms of employment discrimination that are still widespread today and promote equal opportunities for all performers, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, race, disability, sexual orientation or identity. As the results of a membership survey clearly point out, LGBT performers are particularly vulnerable and frequently discriminated during in the casting process for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability to play a role, as professional performers. FIA is determined to raise awareness in the arts, media and entertainment sector about the need to promote equal opportunities in the workplace for all performers.”

The Federation and the union hosting the event – SATED/SP – are honoured by the presence of leading Brazilian performers Sergio Mamberti and Lisa Crazy, and welcome all participants under the umbrella of a single motto: Acting for Diversity.